Military

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win - airpower anytime, anywhere. Whether full time, part time, in or out of uniform, everyone who serves plays a critical role in helping us achieve mission success.

The Army is the largest military branch in the United States.  Its job is to protect the country and its citizens.  In this section, you’ll learn about the history of the Army, and about some common terms that you’ll hear often as you explore your career options.

Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the American people and promoted national security, border security, and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment.  The Coast Guard saves those in peril and protects the Nation from all maritime threats.

The Marine Corps mission reflects every Marine's purpose.  In essence, our Nation is that purpose.  In our world, in ourselves, and in our way, there are conflicts, challenges, and obstacles that must be fought confidently and defeated convincingly for our Nation to prevail.  These looming battles come in many forms and occur on many fronts, but each comes down to a critical choice: to demand victory or accept defeat.  To pull together or fall apart. To give in or cave in. It is a decision each Marine conveys to our Nation with each battle won.

The Department of the Navy will recruit, train, equip, and organize to deliver combat ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence. 

The United States Space Force is a separate and distinct branch of the armed services, organized under the Department of the Air Force in a manner very similar to how the Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy.

The Today’s Military website is produced by the United States Department of Defense as a resource for young adults, parents and educators curious about military service. TodaysMilitary.com is not intended to promote any one branch of the U.S. Military.

With cooperation from the Service branches, our goal is to paint an accurate picture of what it’s like to work, live and serve in today’s Military.  Interviews with active-duty service members provide genuine insight into the challenges and rewards of service.  Interactive tools allow you to explore the range of military career opportunities, estimate military pay and explore the less tangible benefits of service.

Above all, we hope this site fosters conversations and helps you make the best decision for your future or the future of someone you care about.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military.

In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, participants, or cadets, commit to serve in the Military after graduation.  Each Service branch has its own take on ROTC.